A Stoke-on-Trent bound train has been delayed this morning following a 'security alert' at a railway station.

The train, which was due to arrive in the city at 1.18am before travelling on to Manchester, was one of a number of Virgin Trains Services caught up in what Network Rail described as a security alert at Milton Keynes Central Station.

The exact nature of the alert is not known - but the company has now said the lines will return to normal and the incident appears to be resolved..

In a statement Network Rail said: "Following a security alert at Milton Keynes Central trains between London Euston and Northampton / Rugby are returning to normal."

A Virgin Trains spokesman added: "London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly due 01:59 is being delayed between Watford Junction and Milton Keynes Central and is now expected to be 37 minutes late.